Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies

Jewish Studies: J S

Lower-Division Courses

J S 301. Introduction to Jewish Studies.

Jewish literature and Jewish thought, comprising a general introduction to biblical, rabbinic, philosophic, and literary Jewish texts from the sixth century BC to the twenty-first century CE. Emphasis on hermeneutics (interpretation). Three lecture hours a week for one semester.

J S 304M. Jewish Civilization: Beginnings to 1492.

Same as History 306N (Topic 10: Jewish Civilization: Beginnings to 1492) and Religious Studies 313M. Introduction to the history, culture, and religion of the Jewish people from around 1000 BC to the end of the medieval period. Subjects may include ancient Israel, late Second Temple sectarianism, the rise of Christianity, rabbinic Judaism, medieval Jewish philosophy, Jewish mysticism, and Hebrew poetry. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: History 306N (Topic: Jewish Civilization I), 306N (Topic 10), Jewish Studies 304M, 311 (Topic: Jewish Civilization I), Religious Studies 313 (Topic: Jewish Civilization I), 313M.

J S 304N. Jewish Civilization: 1492 to the Present.

Same as History 306N (Topic 11: Jewish Civilization: 1492 to the Present) and Religious Studies 313N. Subjects may include trends toward secularization, the emancipation of European Jewry, the emergence of American Jewry, the Holocaust, the establishment of the State of Israel, and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: History 306N (Topic 11), Jewish Studies 304N, 311 (Topic: Jewish Civilization: 1492 to the Present), Religious Studies 313 (Topic: Jewish Civilization: 1492 to the Present), 313N.

J S 311. Topics in Jewish Studies.

Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Some topics partially fulfill legislative requirement for American history. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Varies with the topic.

Topic 2: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: An Introduction. Same as History 304R, Islamic Studies 311 (Topic 2: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: An Introduction), and Religious Studies 304. Examines the intertwined historical developments of the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and explores the principal beliefs and practices of Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Topic 3: The Rise of Christianity. Introduction to the origins and development of Christianity.
Topic 4: Introduction to the Old Testament. Same as Core Texts and Ideas 305G, Middle Eastern Studies 310 (Topic 3), and Religious Studies 313C. Introduction to the many interpretations of the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) and its meaning in the context of its historical and cultural setting in the ancient Near East. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 305G, 310 (Topic: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible), Jewish Studies 311 (Topic: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible), 311 (Topic 4), Middle Eastern Studies 310 (Topic: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible), 310 (Topic 3), Religious Studies 313 (Topic: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible), 313C.
Topic 5: The Roots of Religious Toleration. Same as European Studies 306 (Topic 3), History 317N (Topic 1), and Religious Studies 306 (Topic 1). Examines how freedom of conscience and religion crystallized in western and central Europe, both as a pragmatic practice and as a matter of principle. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 310 (Topic: Roots of Religious Toleration), European Studies 306 (Topic: Roots of Religious Toleration), 306 (Topic 3), History 317N (Topic: Roots of Religious Toleration), 317N (Topic 1), Jewish Studies 311 (Topic: Roots of Religious Toleration), 311 (Topic 5), Religious Studies 306 (Topic: Roots of Religious Toleration), 306 (Topic 1).
Topic 6: Jews in America: The Yiddish Experience. Same as American Studies 315 (Topic 4) and Religious Studies 313 (Topic 1). Focuses on over a century of Yiddish-based contributions to American literature, music, and film, including works by Isaac Bashevis Singer, Michael Chabon, Woody Allen, and the Marx Brothers. Only one of the following may be counted: American Studies 315 (Topic: Jews in America: The Yiddish Experience), 315 (Topic 4), Jewish Studies 311 (Topic: Jews in America: The Yiddish Experience), 311 (Topic 6), Religious Studies 313 (Topic: Jews in America: The Yiddish Experience), 313 (Topic 1).
Topic 7: The History of Israel. An introduction to the history of Israel, from the emergence of the modern Zionist movement beginning in 1881 to the present. Only one of the following may be counted: History 306N (Topic: History of Israel), Jewish Studies 311 (Topic: History of Israel), 311 (Topic 7), Middle Eastern Studies 310 (Topic: History of Israel).

Upper-Division Courses

J S 361. Topics in Jewish Studies.

Three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional hours may be required for some topics. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Varies with the topic and is given in the Course Schedule.

J S 362. Independent Research in Jewish Studies.

Tutorially directed research in Jewish studies. Conference course. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and consent of instructor.

J S 363. Topics in the Humanities and Arts.

Three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional hours may be required for some topics. Jewish Studies 361 and 363 may not both be counted unless the topics vary. Some sections are offered on the letter-grade basis only. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Varies with the topic.

Topic 1: Anne Frank and Beyond. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 3: Film Adaptations of Israeli Literature. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 4: Israeli and American Jewish Fiction. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 6: Key Yiddish Novels. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 7: Love and the State in Contemporary Israeli Literature. Same as Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 6: Love and the State in Contemporary Israeli Literature), and Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 6: Love and the State in Contemporary Israeli Literature). Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: Love and State in Contemporary Israeli Literature), English 322 (Topic: Love and State in Contemporary Israeli Literature), Hebrew 374 (Topic 9: Love and the State in Contemporary Israeli Literature), Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 7), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 6), Middle Eastern Studies 322K (Topic 27: Love and the State in Contemporary Israeli Literature), 342 (Topic 6), Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic: Love and State in Contemporary Israeli Literature). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 8: Mizrahi Writing in Israel. Same as Hebrew 346 (Topic 9: Mizrahi Writing in Israel) and Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 9: Mizrahi Writing in Israel). Only one of the following may be counted: Hebrew 346 (Topic 9), Jewish 363 (Topic 8), Middle Eastern Studies 325 (Topic 6: Mizrahi Writing in Israel), 342 (Topic 9). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing, and Hebrew 412L (or 312L) or 320L with a grade of at least C.
Topic 10: The Sacred and the Secular in Contemporary Jewish Literature. Same as Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 8), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 8), and Religious Studies 353 (Topic 3). Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: The Sacred and the Secular in Contemporary Jewish Literature), English 322 (Topic: The Sacred and the Secular in Contemporary Jewish Literature), Hebrew 374 (Topic 11: The Sacred and the Secular in Contemporary Jewish Literature), Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 10), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 8), Middle Eastern Studies 322K (Topic 28: The Sacred and the Secular in Contemporary Jewish Literature), 342 (Topic 8), Religious Studies 353 (Topic: The Sacred and the Secular in Contemporary Jewish Literature), 353 (Topic 3). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 11: Women and the Holocaust. Same as Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 19), European Studies 346 (Topic 10), German, Scandinavian, and Dutch Studies 341F, and Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic 50). Introduction to both the history of Jewish and German women during World War II and the Holocaust, and to women's narratives and self-representations of this period. Historical sources, memoirs, films, and interviews will be used as source material. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: Women's Narratives of the Holocaust and World War II), 323 (Topic 19), European Studies 346 (Topic: Women's Narratives of the Holocaust and World War II), 346 (Topic 10), German, Scandinavian, and Dutch Studies 341F, Germanic Civilization 323E (Topic: Women's Narratives of the Holocaust and World War II), Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 11), Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic: Women's Narratives of the Holocaust and World War II), 340 (Topic 50). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 12: Yiddish Literature. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 15: Jewish Voices from Latin America. Same as Latin American Studies 328 (Topic 4) and Spanish Civilization 320C (Topic 1). An introduction to Jewish writers from Brazil and Latin America, with an emphasis on those whose works portray the situation of the Jewish communities in their respective cities and countries. Only one of the following may be counted: Jewish Studies 363 (Topic: Latin American Jewish Writers), 363 (Topic 15), Latin American Studies 328 (Topic 4), 370S (Topic: Latin American Jewish Writers), 370S (Topic 32), Spanish 352 (Topic), 355 (Topic 3), Spanish Civilization 320C (Topic 1). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 17: Israel Through Its Literature. Same as Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 15), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 5), and Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 5). Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: Introduction to Israeli Literature), Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 15), English 322 (Topic: Introduction to Israeli Literature), Hebrew 374 (Topic 10: Introduction to Israeli Literature), Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 17), Middle Eastern Studies 325 (Topic 7), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 5). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 18: Jerusalem in Israeli Literature. Same as Hebrew 346 (Topic 8: Jerusalem in Israeli Literature). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing and Hebrew 412L.
Topic 19: Postmodernist Israeli Literature. Same as Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 7: Postmodernist Israeli Literature) and Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 7: Postmodernist Israeli Literature). Study of the first decades of Israeli literature. Themes include the establishment of a new state in the aftermath of the Holocaust, conflict between Israel and Arab nations, and conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic: Postmodernist Israeli Literature), English 322 (Topic: Postmodernist Israeli Literature), Hebrew 374 (Topic 8: Postmodernist Israeli Literature), Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 19), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 7), Middle Eastern Studies 325 (Topic: Postmodernist Israeli Literature), 342 (Topic 7). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 21: Introduction to the Music of the Middle East. Same as Music 342 (Topic 7). Only one of the following may be counted: Islamic Studies 373 (Topic: Introduction to Music of the Middle East), Jewish Studies 363 (Topic: Introduction to Music of the Middle East), 363 (Topic 21), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic: Introduction to Music of the Middle East), Middle Eastern Studies 328 (Topic: Introduction to Music of the Middle East), 342 (Topic: Introduction to Music of the Middle East), Music 342 (Topic: Introduction to Music of the Middle East), 342 (Topic 7).

J S 364. Topics in History.

Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Some topics partially fulfill legislative requirement for American history. Some sections are offered on the letter-grade basis only. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Varies with the topic.

Topic 1: Anti-Semitism in History and Literature. Jewish Studies 361 (Topic: Anti-Semitism in History and Literature) and 364 (Topic 1) may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 2: The Jewish Experience in the Greco-Roman World. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 3: The Bible and History. Same as Religious Studies 354D. The critical uses of biblical and extrabiblical data in the reconstruction of the history of the biblical period. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic: The Bible and History), History 372P, Jewish Studies 364 (Topic 3), Middle Eastern Studies 320 (Topic 3: The Bible and History), Religious Studies 354D. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 4: The Dead Sea Scrolls. Same as Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic 1), History 364G (Topic 3), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 17), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 23), and Religious Studies 353D. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic: The Dead Sea Scrolls), 330 (Topic 1), History 364G (Topic 3), Jewish Studies 364 (Topic 4), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 17), Middle Eastern Studies 320 (Topic 13), 342 (Topic 23), Religious Studies 353D. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 5: The Spanish Inquisition. Same as European Studies 346 (Topic 11), History 350L (Topic 77), and Religious Studies 357 (Topic 10). Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: European Studies 346 (Topic: The Spanish Inquisition), 346 (Topic 11), History 350L (Topic: The Spanish Inquisition), 350L (Topic 77), Jewish Studies 364 (Topic: The Spanish Inquisition), 364 (Topic 5), Religious Studies 357 (Topic: The Spanish Inquisition), 357 (Topic 10).
Topic 6: Introduction to the Holocaust. Same as European Studies 346 (Topic 17), History 362G (Topic 3), and Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 335 (Topic 17). Examines the mass killing of Jews and other victims in the context of Nazi Germany's quest for race and space during World War II. Only one of the following may be counted: European Studies 346 (Topic: Introduction to the Holocaust), 346 (Topic 17), History 362G (Topic: Introduction to the Holocaust), 362G (Topic 3), Jewish Studies 364 (Topic: Introduction to the Holocaust), 364 (Topic 6), Middle Eastern Studies 325 (Topic: Introduction to the Holocaust), Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 335 (Topic: Introduction to the Holocaust), 335 (Topic 17).
Topic 7: Jews of Eastern Europe. Same as History 362G (Topic 8), Religious Studies 357 (Topic 13), and Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 335 (Topic 23). Explores the history and culture of Jews in Eastern Europe. Only one of the following may be counted: History 362G (Topic: Jews of Eastern Europe), 362G (Topic 8), Jewish Studies 364 (Topic: Jews of Eastern Europe), 364 (Topic 7), Religious Studies 357 (Topic: Jews of Eastern Europe), 357 (Topic 13), Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 335 (Topic: Jews of Eastern Europe), 335 (Topic 23).
Topic 8: Southeast Europe in the Twentieth Century. Same as European Studies 346 (Topic 18), History 362G (Topic 9), and Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 335 (Topic 18). Explores the key events and developments of Southeastern Europe, the region commonly referred to as the Balkans, in the twentieth century. Only one of the following may be counted: European Studies 346 (Topic: Southeast Europe in the Twentieth Century), 346 (Topic 18), History 362G (Topic: Southeast Europe in the Twentieth Century), 362G (Topic 9), Jewish Studies 364 (Topic: Southeast Europe in the Twentieth Century), 364 (Topic 8), Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 335 (Topic: Southeast Europe in the Twentieth Century), 335 (Topic 18).
Topic 9: Spinoza and Modernity. Same as Core Texts and Ideas 321F, European Studies 346 (Topic 21), History 362P, Philosophy 354 (Topic 7), and Religious Studies 357 (Topic 8). Introduction to the core of Spinoza's writings and the diverse reactions they have elicited. Examines Spinoza's refusal of mind-body dualism, as well as a transcendent god or ideal as a way of understanding Spinoza's concepts and ideas. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 335 (Topic: Spinoza and Modernity), 321F, European Studies 346 (Topic: Spinoza and Modernity), 346 (Topic 21), 347 (Topic: Spinoza and Modernity), History 362G (Topic: Spinoza and Modernity), 362P, Jewish Studies 364 (Topic: Spinoza and Modernity), 364 (Topic 9), Philosophy 334K (Topic: Spinoza and Modernity), 354 (Topic: Spinoza and Modernity), 354 (Topic 7), Religious Studies 357 (Topic: Spinoza and Modernity), 357 (Topic 8). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 10: The Church and the Jews. Same as History 362G (Topic 14) and Religious Studies 357 (Topic 9). Examination of the complex relationship between the Western Church and Jews over two millenia. Only one of the following may be counted: History 362G (Topic: The Church and the Jews), 362G (Topic 14), Jewish Studies 364 (Topic: The Church and the Jews), 364 (Topic 10), Religious Studies 357 (Topic: The Church and the Jews), 357 (Topic 9).
Topic 11: World War II in Eastern Europe. Same as European Studies 346 (Topic 12), History 350L (Topic 79), and Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 335 (Topic 19). Examines the war in Eastern Europe with a particular emphasis on occupation, collaboration, and resistance; the Holocaust; and the connection between ethnic cleansing, population transfer, and the establishment of Communism in postwar Eastern Europe. Only one of the following may be counted: European Studies 346 (Topic: World War II in Eastern Europe), 346 (Topic 12), History 350L (Topic: World War II in Eastern Europe), History 350L (Topic 79), Jewish Studies 364 (Topic: World War II in Eastern Europe), 364 (Topic 11), Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 335 (Topic: World War II in Eastern Europe), 335 (Topic 19).

J S 365. Topics in the Social Sciences.

Three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional hours may be required for some topics. Some sections are offered on the letter-grade basis only. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Varies with the topic.

Topic 1: America and the Holocaust. Same as American Studies 321 (Topic 4: America and the Holocaust) and History 356R. Only one of the following may be counted: American Studies 321 (Topic 4), 370 (Topic: America and the Holocaust), History 350L (Topic: America and the Holocaust), 356R, 365G (Topic: America and the Holocaust), Jewish Studies 361 (Topic: America and the Holocaust), 365 (Topic 1), Liberal Arts Honors 350 (Topic: America and the Holocaust). Partially fulfills legislative requirement for American history. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 4: Jewish Immigrant Culture in America. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 5: Jewish Ethics. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 7: Rome and Jerusalem. Same as Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 3: Rome and Jerusalem), History 321G, Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 21: Rome and Jerusalem), and Religious Studies 365 (Topic 1: Rome and Jerusalem). A study of daily life in Israel during the Roman period, focusing on Jerusalem, ancient Palestinian synagogues and churches, Jewish and Christian symbolism, agriculture, warfare, and burial practices. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 3), Classical Civilization 348 (Topic: Rome and Jerusalem), History 321G, Jewish Studies 365 (Topic 7), Middle Eastern Studies 320 (Topic 2: Rome and Jerusalem), 342 (Topic 21), Religious Studies 365 (Topic 1), Urban Studies 353 (Topic: Rome and Jerusalem). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 10: Israel: Society and Politics. Same as Government 365N (Topic 16). Analysis of Israeli politics and society in a comparative perspective with a major focus on the social and political cleavages in Israel. Only one of the following may be counted: Government 365N (Topic: Israel: Society and Politics), 365N (Topic 16), Jewish Studies 361 (Topic: Israel: Society and Politics), 365 (Topic: Israel: Society and Politics), 365 (Topic 10), Middle Eastern Studies 325 (Topic: Israel: Society and Politics).
Topic 11: Representation of Jews in the American Public Sphere. Same as Anthropology 325L (Topic 13) and Religious Studies 346 (Topic 8). Examines how Jews have been represented and constituted in American public culture as a race, religion, and/or nation through distinct institutions and display practices. Only one of the following may be counted: Anthropology 325L (Topic: Representation of Jews in the American Public Sphere), 325L (Topic 13), Jewish Studies 365 (Topic: Representation of Jews in the American Public Sphere), 365 (Topic 11), Religious Studies 346 (Topic: Representation of Jews in the American Public Sphere), 346 (Topic 8).
Topic 12: American Jewish Material Culture. Same as Anthropology 325L (Topic 17) and Religious Studies 346 (Topic 9). Examines the interplay between material culture and Jewish identity and thought in contemporary America. Only one of the following may be counted: Anthropology 325L (Topic: American Jewish Material Culture), 325L (Topic 17), Jewish Studies 365 (Topic: American Jewish Material Culture), 365 (Topic 12), Religious Studies 346 (Topic: American Jewish Material Culture), 346 (Topic 9).
Topic 13: Anti-Semitism. Same as History 366N (Topic 15) and Sociology 321S. Surveys trends in Judeophobia/anti-Semitism over 2,500 years in both Christian and non-Christian societies. Designed to use anti-Semitism as way to explore more general ideas in social theory such as boundary making; models of racial, ethnic, and cultural conflict; and the role of intellectual and scientific elites. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: History 366N (Topic: Anti-Semitism), 366N (Topic 15), Jewish Studies 365 (Topic: Anti-Semitism), 365 (Topic 13), Sociology 321K (Topic: Anti-Semitism), 321S. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.

J S 375. Senior Seminar.

Intensive study and research on selected topics in Jewish studies, with on-going, in-class presentations for critique by fellow students and the instructor. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and consent of the Jewish studies adviser.

J S 679H. Honors Tutorial Course.

Restricted to Jewish studies majors. Supervised individual reading and research for one semester, followed by writing a substantial honors thesis during the second semester. Conference course for two semesters. Prerequisite: For 679HA, admission to the Jewish Studies Honors Program; for 679HB, Jewish Studies 679HA.